Juvenile Court Programs

The 25th Circuit, Juvenile Division, consists of several components charged with the responsibility of providing services to abused and neglected children and to troubled youth and their families.

The Juvenile Division continues to operate on the philosophy that the most effective means in dealing with juvenile offenders (consistent with the juvenile code) is to intervene with the child and family at the earliest opportunity. Our experience has shown that intervention techniques are most successful when applied to youthful offenders at the first onset of referral and between the ages of ten to thirteen.

Rehabilitation measures are primarily used with juvenile offenders whose behaviors or actions present a threat to the community or themselves. For juvenile offenders committing serious delinquent acts, the safety and security of the community is the primary consideration.

Protection and court intervention is sometimes necessary for youth referred due to child abuse and neglect. The primary function of the court is to make determinations as to what is in the best interest of the child. Each juvenile is provided a Guardian Ad Litem, or an attorney who represents the child in court hearings and at many family support team meetings.